Top healthcare provider trends in 2026
Health systems that use the current environment to address costs, workforce planning and portfolio strategy may be better positioned as reimbursement headwinds intensify.
UnitedHealthcare raises bar for doctors to get paid for radiology services
The change runs counter to the company’s broader efforts to pare back red tape for physicians amid widespread discontent with health insurers.
Ōura’s Ricky Bloomfield proposes new regulatory pathway for wearable health features
The chief medical officer is interested in an easier path to market for health screening features in wearable devices.
Provider, telehealth groups urge Congress to make telehealth flexibilities permanent
Piecemeal extensions of Medicare coverage for virtual services have impeded access to care, the American Medical Association argued. The policies could expire again on Jan. 30.
New Jersey healthcare giant poised to acquire another hospital
RWJBarnabas Health has signed a definitive agreement that would absorb Englewood Health — which operates one of the last independent hospitals in the state — into the larger system.
40M users turn to ChatGPT daily for health questions: OpenAI
Roughly 1.5 million to 2 million questions are sent to the chatbot about health insurance each week, suggesting consumers are increasingly using AI to navigate the healthcare system, according to the report.
CDC, following Trump’s orders, weakens US stance on childhood vaccinations
In a drastic decision made outside of its typical review process, the agency declared it would recommend 11 childhood shots going forward, down from 17.
CMS distributes rural health funds for 2026
States received an average of $200 million to expand rural care access. Texas received the most money, while New Jersey received the least.
340B rebate pilot put on hold in temporary win for hospitals
A Maine district court temporarily enjoined the pilot, which was set to take effect on Jan. 1, from kicking in. Still, the controversial payment experiment isn’t dead in the water, as the Trump administration quickly appealed the ruling.
DEA, HHS extend telehealth controlled substance prescribing flexibilities for fourth time
The extension, released shortly before the flexibilities were set to expire at the end of 2025, gives regulators more time to finish permanent policies, the HHS and DEA said.